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Arizona State CIO Welcomes China’s Decision to Delay Censorware Phoenix – July 1, 2009 – Chad Kirkpatrick, the Arizona State Chief Information Officer (CIO) and Director of the Government Information Technology Agency, welcomed the Chinese government’s decision to delay the rollout of potential censorware software. Citing serious concerns about user security and privacy, Director Kirkpatrick joined the growing number of government leaders, business organizations, technology trade groups, and human rights organizations in condemning China’s proposed new mandatory computer software. Called Green Dam Youth Escort, it is feared the software gives the Chinese government the ability to censor political and religious content. “Technology is a liberating tool and should be used for the betterment of mankind,” Director Kirkpatrick said. “New social media tools allow people from all over the world to connect with one another and share ideas and interests. Search engines allow users to research and gather information and opinions from a variety of sources. To restrict that is to restrict liberty and free speech.” The Chinese government wants all new computers sold to contain the new filtering software. Government officials claim the software is to block pornography. However, computer experts say it contains many vulnerabilities that would allow government sponsored hackers to track users’ web browsing and online communications.
“The Green Dam software will have an enormous chilling effect on the freedom of
expression by the Chinese people,” Kirkpatrick warned. “The free world is
relieved China has postponed the rollout of Green Dam. Let’s hope the
postponement becomes permanent.” | |||||||||
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